Engage New Members!

​A proven successful marketing opportunity that connects members to local businesses through their relationship with your credit union. 

Supporting local businesses has become fashionable among the world’s largest brands, even including national banks like Chase and American Express. However, credit unions have long been the champions of local businesses in their communities. After all, credit unions are the financial industry’s best version of a locally owned business!

That is why we are very excited to announce that Dakota Credit Union Association (DakCU) is now partnering with Canidae to bring you Buy Local Spend Local (BLSL).

“We are thrilled to offer the Buy Local Spend Local program to our member credit unions,” says George McDonald, Chief Officer of Strategic Services. “This provides a unique opportunity to further showcase Dakota credit unions’ commitment to their local communities, while at the same time reminding local businesses what an important part of the community their credit union is,” he explained.

What is Buy Local Spend Local?
BLSL is a turnkey, regional program that connects your credit union and your members to locally owned businesses in your community, encouraging them to not only BUY LOCAL, but to also SPEND LOCAL by paying with your credit union’s debit or credit card for purchases.

With consumers' heightened expectations of their financial institutions, there is a struggle to demonstrate value proposition to potential members and to grow membership. This unique program benefits local business owners, your credit union and your members, creating a win-win-win situation for all.

Participating businesses receive a free window cling with the BLSL program logo and a QR code that directs to your turnkey BLSL website. Your credit union logo would be displayed in business windows across your chosen counties, increasing exposure and attracting new members.

How does it work?
Your credit union simply commits to reimbursing a few randomly selected purchases at local businesses monthly (with a cap limit). Members are then encouraged to support local businesses and SPEND local paying with your credit union debit or credit card, with a chance of having their purchases reimbursed.

Not only does the program increase interchange income, it promotes credit union brand recognition and awareness to consumers who have not yet joined a credit union, offering a new way to grow membership as well.

When do we get started?
Jim Kasch with Canidae is one of the featured breakout speakers at this year’s Annual Meeting and Summit. He will also have an exhibitor booth to answer any of your questions surrounding this new endeavor.

Following the Summit, DakCU will also host a “launch webinar” with Jim to further delve into this unique program and how it can benefit your local community, your members, and your credit union. Additional information will be presented in the Memo; meanwhile, for more information, please contact George McDonald or visit https://buylocalspendlocal.com/.